In their capacity as the board of health, the Lane County Commissioners passed the resolution which includes a commitment to meaningful discussion with communities of color on issues of race, ethnicity and health.
Eugene Springfield NAACP President Eric Richardson was one of several who spoke in favor of the resolution during public comment. He said the declaration is overdue.
“Racism has been generational. It has affected our nation. White people are affected by racism,” Richardson said. “This is a mental health crisis and it spills over into our education system.”
Commissioner Jay Bozievich voted against the resolution saying he felt it was an exercise in “virtue signaling”.
The legislature is also considering a resolution declaring racism a public health crisis.
Earlier this month the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention declared racism a serious public health crisis.
